Maybe someone else has some insight or experience with this.
I have a 2011 countryman S. On cold starts the car idles good but sounds like a diesel with a loud valve noise. Once a little warmed up, the idle drops to around 800 and starts sputtering and the diesel noise goes away. It sounds like its about to stall and there is slight gargle from exhaust. Rev up and it sounds fine. Driving it always seems a little off, like off the line it hesitates, shifting it hesitates. Hard acceleration it has good power and is smooth. I would swear the timing is off just a bit. Periodically get codes of multiple misfires random cylinders. In ISTA got something saying misfire and dangerous exhaust gas re-circulation. I was hoping it might be the HVFP to get it replaced under warrenty, but as far as I can tell the readings look good and dont drop at the fuel rail.
I bought this thing thinking it would be a simple head gasket and timing chain. I have replaced all intake valves, timing chain + tensioner, both cam position sensors, one VANOS unit, ordered the other, new plugs.
I have come down to either:
- bad injectors - Dont know why cold start would change with this.
-Something with the VANOS system not adjusting the timing the way it should. Maybe I put the accentric cam in the wrong position or something.
-HVFP and I am not reading it correct.
- Timing just a hair off because the tool is off. Can the cheepo ($60 instead $200+) timing tool jig be off? I have checked the timing putting the tool back on twice and it is spot on (according to the cheepo tool).

 

Did you not see the "Rough Idle until the Engine Warms" thread just a few spots below yours?

 

I did, but I wanted to see if anyone has had issues with the timing tools being off. It didn't sound like the prior post had just rebuilt the top end.

 

read other build threads on this forum regarding cam swaps.. & they had similar timing related issues using the cheapo tool. Once the fancy laser timing tool was used their stumbles subsided..

*ive no experience with either.. but based on the few threads, it seems the laser is the way to go